All 2026 Medicare Enrollees Should Consider Doing This

Core Insights - Individuals turning 65 or older in 2026 should prioritize enrolling in Medicare to avoid gaps in health coverage, especially if leaving a job or losing spousal coverage [1] - In addition to Medicare enrollment, signing up for Medigap can significantly reduce healthcare expenses during retirement [1] Medicare Overview - Medicare is often misunderstood as providing free healthcare for seniors; however, it involves monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance [3] - A critical issue with Medicare is the lack of a cap on annual out-of-pocket spending, which can lead to overwhelming costs for seniors on limited incomes [4][6] Medigap Importance - Medigap plans serve as supplemental insurance for Medicare enrollees, covering many expenses incurred under Medicare, but not services that Medicare does not cover [5] - Signing up for Medigap promptly is advisable to protect finances, especially for those with limited income [6] Enrollment Windows - The initial Medicare enrollment period lasts seven months, while the Medigap enrollment window is six months, starting the first day of the month when an individual turns 65 and enrolls in Part B [8] - During the Medigap initial enrollment window, insurers are required to sell policies without medical underwriting at the best available rates, making timely enrollment crucial [9]